Something to Warm You

Stacey at Poofing the Pillows is having a soup recipe exchange today, so I am joining in. This is a recipe for a quick and economical crab stew. Great with some yummy cornbread. This is guaranteed to warm you on the chilly fall evenings that we have been having lately.

Crab Stew

2 Potatoes & Onions boiled until soft

Add 2 small cans of crab meat

1 Can Cream of Potato Soup

1 Can Cream of Celery Soup

Add enough milk to reach desired consistency.

Sometimes I do more potatoes and you do not drain the water that you boil the potatoes in. I hope you all enjoy this quick and easy recipe. I'd love to hear if you try and like this one. Have blessed weekend all! Jackie

Thanksgiving Swap

Today was another day of subbing. I am enjoying it so much! I've had 8th graders today, and I think they may be my favorites. They ask a lot of personal questions, like who I am voting for and hopefully my honesty will speak to them in some way. Today I made it clear that the color of your skin should have nothing to do with the way you vote. "For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7b

It has truly been a blessing for me to have the opportunity to do this.

On another note, when I arrived home today my Thanksgiving Swap Package was waiting at the door. What a fun surprise for the day. Some very sweet and thoughtful items.

Everything will be added to my collection of favorite Fall decor. A cute little crate of pumpkins and pine cones, stalks of wheat, my favorite chocolates...Lindt Lindor Truffles, which needless to say will not be around long. I am not a real chocolate lover, but these are truly a favorite treat of mine. Another favorite item is the journal you see, custom made by my swap partner.

It came with this little tag on the inside with a note from my swap partner that she had received one years ago from her mother, and that every night before she goes to bed she writes down what she is thankful for. Anything as simple as a warm bed to sleep in to a thoughtful thing that someone did that day. She said looking back makes her really appreciate how much God has given us, and that when our day seems bad there really is something to be thankful for. I will start using it tonight.

Isn't this little felt pillow wonderful! My photography is lacking a little, but I love it!
Thanks so much Amy!

Have a blessed evening! Jackie

One of Those Days!

Monday was just one of those days!
I will be subbing today.
Have a blessed day! Jackie

What Do You Buy?

Today will be another day for some of my random rambling. I seem to do a lot of that these days. The weather outside today is wonderful, and definitely FALL! I have been in sweats and a long sleeved Tee all day. The wind is blowing lots of leaves around, and you can't even tell that I did that yard work last week.

My son was home this weekend to keep me company and we attended a wedding on Sunday. It was a 2 hour drive away which I had been dreading, but ended up being a great time to talk and visit. The wedding was a beautiful outdoor wedding and the weather was perfect. They chose mostly contemporary christian music and a young man sang solo unaccompanied and did a great job. Very worshipful.

Today has however been a lonesome day with just me and the two dogs, so I have been slow about getting it together. I have Bible study tonight, which I am so looking forward to! I feel the need to be continually hearing from God these days.

On a more fun note I thought I would show you some of my thrifty finds the past several weeks. Got this little guy from a yard sale,

and even though it is not yet November he is sitting on top of the pie safe in my kitchen.

10 of these never used napkins from the thrift store for 1.59
Great fall colors!

Now this is in keeping with my question title "What Do You Buy?"
I told the lady at the thrift store, "I buy nostalgia". Which is mostly true. I buy a lot of things that remind me of my grandparents, and simpler days. This little bowl is one of them . It is old, chipped and cracked, but reminded me of my something my grandmother would have had.

This little old scale reminds me of the scale my granddaddy would weigh his vegetables with. See he was what I called a truck farmer. He grew vegetables and had a route that he traveled to sell them. This is how he made a living. He had an old pick-up truck with a homemade cover. One day he would pick the vegetables, and the next he would travel his route to sell them. That was a time when he sold to all of the local grocery stores too. This is not exactly like his scale, but it still reminds me of him. So my question to you what do you buy? Mine is mostly a hodge podge of memories. Have a blessed week! Jackie

Box of Goodies

It has looked like this all day at my house. In case you can't tell those streaks in the picture is lots of rain pouring off the house. It has been one wet day, and I feel as if I have been cold and wet all day. Today was the day I had to get my Thanksgiving Swap package off. Nothing seemed to go exactly as planned, not to mention I have the two dogs to tend to. I do not have a project to show, but thought I would show a little picture of what my swap partner is getting next week.

Rain, rain, rain and more rain!


This is her box of goodies. I hope she likes them. Remember the "Give Thanks" plaque, the candle and the note cards? She will be getting those along with 2 pretty pumpkin towels, a journal, notepad, small cookbook of Holiday Appetizers, and Easy Weeknight Favorites, a turkey tea light holder, bag of spice potpouri , a little acorn dish filled with chocolates and some spice cider mix for juice? I hope she likes it. Have a wonderful and blessed weekend, and maybe I will have some more projects next week. See Ya, Jackie

Better Late Than Never

I am a little late posting today's project because I had to substitute teach today, and I had church last night and was just too tired to get the post ready. This project is quite simple, just a little more time consuming. I have not yet perfected the way to get the pattern, well perfect. I can be a little ridiculous about trying to perfect something and get frustrated if I don't think it is just right, but here goes. First you will need one of these. This is a small clipboard, about 1.39 at Staples.

Next, some of this. Just pick your favorite pattern.

Some of this and one of these.

And you will end up with this. I will be adding a pretty brown bow to the top.

And there you have it. Not just another ordinary clipboard! I will be helping my daughter make some of these to give as Christmas gifts too. Let me know if you have any questions. You could also add the recipients initial at the bottom. I will probably do the back in a coordinating color. Have a wonderful evening. I will try to be a little earlier tomorrow! Jackie

Need an Easy Christmas Present?

UPDATE!!

The acrylic sealer is a necessary step. I used clear acrylic sealer Matte found in the craft section at Wal-Mart and I am sure they have it at Michaels and Hobby Lobby. The stamp will wash right off the tile if the sealer is not used.

Yes, the project I am posting today would make a easy but wonderful Christmas present. If you are like me, I am looking for some ways to save on Christmas spending this year. After all, it is not all about the presents it is about HIM...........Christ our Lord and Saviour! Now this is not original to me. I first saw it here. This girl has many wonderful ideas! First you need this.

Then some of this.


One of these.


To make some of these!

Maybe you are asking what are they. They are tile coasters. The only thing I have left to do is add some cork or felt to the back to prevent scratching tables. You could use any design, I just like the bird nest, and I have an additional idea that may make an addition to this for a cute present. I think, I will be doing these for some Christmas presents.

I will try to break down the cost for you here:

Tiles were .32 ea. at Lowes

Stamp originally 8.99 Hobby Lobby. I got on sale for 4.50

Staz On Ink Pad (you must use this kind) originally 7.99 Hobby Lobby. Half price 4.00

Backing which I still need to purchase I think that will be picked up at Hobby Lobby too.

Your original investment may seem like a lot, but do you know how many of these you can make? Bunches and bunches, not to mention that the stamps would be great for note cards, gift tags, etc. Someone else suggested that they sprayed theirs with acrylic sealer, but I don't think this is necessary with the StazOn. Hopefully I will get the second half of this gift worked out and post it later. Have a wonderful, blessed Fall day! Jackie

Simple Project

Today I am posting a very simple and quick little project, because most of my time was spent on a big project.........mowing, raking, and clipping bushes in the backyard. It was badly needed, so I spent half the day out there and considered this my workout for the day. Monday nights I have Bible study, so I had to wrap things up a little early. I did however finally hang the wreaths on my doors.

Here's the front.
and here's the back.

Last of all this is the quick and easy little project that I promised you. This is the small jar candle that I told you I purchased from Wal-Mart. Very fragrant, I am still amazed that such a wonderful smell comes from a Wal-Mart candle. I wanted to pretty it up just a little. I measured a strip of scrapbook paper. Wrapped it around the jar, hot glued it. Added a strip of ribbon and glued the little resin pumpkin right in the center. A simple companion for my "Give Thanks" sign. These little goodies will be on their way by Friday. Now I am off to my first project of the day today....a little hair color. Have a blessed day! Jackie

A Project A Day

I am trying to bring out my creative side, or at least what is left of it. I can only wish that I had half the creativity that some of you have, but needless to say I have a special reason to be busy this week. All that said, I hope to be able to at least bring you one small project a day. So here is the first.

I may add a small hanging wire at the top, with a bow on the side.

What do you think?

Set of "FALL" note cards, with matching envelopes.

Close Up.

Totally amateur compared to most of you, but I'll keep practicing.

Have a blessed week!

Jackie

Random Thoughts

I am still getting used to the schedule(non-schedule) of a substitute teacher. Monday's plans were to get all my little household chores done, in addition to helping get my husband prepared for an extended out of town stay. At 9:30 there was a change of plans...I would be headed to the school to sub for the afternoon. Tuesday was spent running errands mostly. Wednesday I finally got to the cleaning, laundry, etc with the exception of ironing. I got a call Wednesday afternoon to sub all day at the High School, then my plans were that I could spend Friday catching up on some little craft projects. Change of plans ....I will be subbing at the High School again. As I said in an earlier post, God is definitely teaching me about flexibility. I am so grateful for this opportunity. It allows us to have some additional income, yet flexibility at the same time. For someone who likes to plan at least a week in advance this has been a big step! Enough said.

We did go to some yard sales Saturday and found a few things. I will leave you with that...

2 Vera Bradley purses, gently used...FREE!

12 Cream dinner plates...8.00.

This lady was selling items from her mothers catering business

and told me she had at least 150

if I would like more. I have noticed a few small chips, so I may go back for some more.

This unique little trivet...1.00

Would you paint this and what would you do with it?

Let me hear your suggestions.

This little lady had a hard time deciding what her prices were. She would say one thing then it was at least double when you picked it up. Needless to say, we moved on. I may check a few out this weekend, I will have to see. Typically October is a good month for some great yard sales here, but they have been less than the best this year.

Right now I am reading this. It is the last book in Karen Kingsbury's latest series. I had ISS at school today, so that gave me plenty of reading time. Hope to be finished soon. I hope to be on to some fun projects this weekend.

Finally last but not least, Sandy is having her 100th post giveaway of her favorite things for today only. So hurry over to leave a comment and enter.

Jackie

VOTE!

This is what I will be doing this afternoon. My husband will not be in town during the election, and we found out recently that we can vote early, from now until the election. So this afternoon my ballot will be cast. A reminder to all, be much in prayer for this election and our future President.

"The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes." Proverbs 21:1

I'm Still Here

This has been a busy week for me. When I saw my name on some one's blog roll and it said I last posted 4 days ago, I was surprised. I was called in to sub two days this week, and with an extra puppy to tend to, I just seem to be running in circles some days. On another note of good news, it has been raining since Thursday, off and on. Today it began raining @ 7:00 A.M. while we were walking the girls before church, and today has rained by the bucket fulls! Now for the bad news. Do you know what it is like taking two dogs out in the rain off and on all day. Since this morning ,other that going to church, I feel like I have walked dogs in the rain and dried them with the hair dryer. We needed the rain so badly, so I will not complain.

We also went to see the movie FIREPROOF yesterday. It was a great movie and one that I hope you will choose to see. We are not big movie goers but a good movie is worth seeing. This is a valuable message about what God intends for marriage. I hope you won't miss it.

The above arrangement is one I finished on Monday, and have been meaning to share this picture with you, just kept forgetting. I had seen a similar arrangement in a specialty shop up town and I thought to myself, I have everything at home to do the same thing, and I did. The small pebbles in the hurricane, make for some easy arranging of the sticks and feathers.

Thanks for all the great suggestionsyou gave for the Thanksgiving Swap, I think I am headed in the right direction. I hope to post some pics of what I am working on this week. Have a wonderful and blessed week!

Jackie

Another Taste of Fall and A Question

Kim had a beautiful post this evening and so was the inspiration for my photo tonight. As I have said before,Fall is my favorite time of the year! There is just something about those cooler days after a long hot summer, the changing colors, that bring a refreshment like nothing else.

My posting has been a little sporadic, but I am trying to get used to substitute teaching, along with having Chloe with us again. She is a lot of fun, but still very much a puppy. There is something to what we have heard, that when children get really quiet they must be into something. Well, the little girls were really quiet this afternoon and when I checked I had forgotten about the stick that Chloe came in with after our walk. Needless to say by the time I found them the stick was in shreds all over the bedroom floor, but it could have been worse. This is my third week as a substitute, and I have been in a different school each week, and it is surprising to me, how much I have enjoyed it.

Now for my question. I need a little help from all of you. I am participating in Emilie's Mini-Thanksgiving Swap. Being new to the Blog World and Swaps, I am asking for a little help. I want to be sure my partner is blessed, so here is where you all come in. The rules were to spend around $10-15 minimum, send at least 3 items related to Thanksgiving, and we were given a little survey of some likes, styles etc. If you were on the receiving end what 3 items would you like to receive. Keep in mind it can be store bought or homemade. So how about it, will you help me be a good partner? This is my big pumpkin sitting on my breakfast room table with the best value in a candle this season. A little over $2.00 for this spiced cider candle from Wal-Mart. Well worth it and very fragrant. I am not usually a Wal-Mart candle purchaser, but this one was a good deal.
Hope you have had a blessed day. Jackie

Joining the Party!

I am finally getting the chance to sit down and post so I can join in the fun over at Kimba's. She is having a Fall/Halloween Party!

Check out all the wonderful Fall and Halloween decorations.

These are my pumpkins on top of the old pie safe. Someone suggested earlier that I add some more pumpkins at varying heights so here they are.

Pretty fall pumpkins and gourds.

My dining room table. Love those dollar tree pumpkins!

Here's a close-up of my dishes. This was my china that I picked when I got married.
I never realized it would make the perfect fall china.

Here's another little pumpkin for the bathroom.
Original aren't I?

I did all that with my trusty little helpers.
I did some major house cleaning today along with getting the decorations almost finished. I need just an ounce of the creativity that I have seen over at Kimba's.

You will not want to miss it! Jackie

Busy, Busy! and Some Comfort

What a day it has been! Being the perky A.M person that I am (not), getting a call at 7:15 asking me to be at the high school to sub by 7:45. This meant I would have to move from my typical slow gear to turbo-speed! My morning routine in the past has begun with several cups of coffee, this morning it was a travel mug to go as I ran out the door. God is teaching me that I can be flexible. I am realizing I may have to return to the days of having an outfit picked out and ready the night before. All that hurry, and my students would not be arriving for another 30 minutes. So thankful I would have some time to pray and finish that coffee!
Continuing in top speed, I arrived home this afternoon and began preparing a meal for our neighbors before heading out to church.


I have also concluded that God is also teaching me a few things about control . I am a planner. I like to have things planned out ahead of time. As my husband and most of my family would kindly put it , I am a Control-Freak! I am progressing in making some changes but God has shown me , I am certainly not there yet. I like being in control. That being said, this is my heart I would like to share with you.
So much is out there lately reminding me that not many things are certain, and so many are out of my control. Our economy, political stability, health and many other things we will face on a daily basis. I have even been surprised at all of the comments about this among us bloggers. Today I would like to offer you this encouragement. GOD is in Control! Nothing, not even our economy catches Him by surprise. Being a child of God we can know He alone is bigger than any crisis we will face. He has called us to be salt and light to a world that does not understand this. We can offer hope to those around us that God gives a peace that passes all understanding to face any uncertainty surrounding us. How are you sharing that peace with those around you?
Blessings,
Jackie

P.S. I promise I will lighten up a little tomorrow, and hopefully finish fine-tuning for fall. And by the way it really was a great day! Busy, but great. God is good.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?" Psalm 27:1